Key damper vs. aluminum tape for tall chimney overdraft

[jophysx]

I want to install a wood insert in the 1st floor of our 3 story A-frame. Already have one on the middle floor. The 1st floor install will be into an exterior chimney in the 35-40 ft range, and I am concerned about overdraft. Our 2nd story insert already has more draft than ideal, and that's in about a 25ft chimney.

what's the preferred method for fixing overdraft? I've read about key dampers in the exhaust, but I also stumbled on a thread on this forum from somebody who had partially taped off some of the air inlets with aluminum tape. I think he said he experimented and found that taping the holes off by about 2/3 resulted in a nice, controllable burn. Tha approach makes sense to me.

Also, am I right in assuming that this sort of install (tall, exterior chimney) is the sort where you would want to use an insulated liner to keep flue temperatures up?

Thanks for any inputs.

 

[jeff_t]

The problem with a key damper and an insert is accessing the damper to adjust it. Air inlets aren't always accessible, either.

Perhaps a freestanding stove in the fireplace? Maybe install a 5", or 5.5" liner?

 

[begreen]

Agreed. With that length pipe I would downsize to 5" and add a key damper if possible. You'll definitely want the liner to be insulated to keep the flue gases warmer. What stove(s) are you considering?

 

[jophysx]

I was looking at a used lopi freedom from Craigslist, but it looks like it sold. My next choice would be a quadrafire 5100. I am a bit limited by the vertical clearance in the fireplace opening - only 21-22 in.

 

[begreen]

There is a Lopi Revere listed in Canby. http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/for/4023459165.html